When you decide to stick to a diet, it's simple. You follow rules. You have a list of things you are allowed to eat – and a list you are not. It's unambiguous. There are no blurred lines and there’s certainly no room for confusion. And with all the mixed messages and confusion around healthy eating, you might find a black-and-white approach incredibly calming.

In fact, I've been there myself. The truth is, most of us have.

The problem is that dieting doesn't actually work. Well, not in the long term, anyway. And whatever your ‘meal plan’ might be – whether it’s cutting out an entire food group or #eatingclean – it’s luring you into the trap of a diet. Why? Because it there are rules, 'good' and 'bad' foods and then there’s the very real potential for ‘failure’.

And, there are many diets out that that claim not to be diets. This is to trick you.

Not all of these habits will fit with your lifestyle – and that's fine. Simply pick a couple of healthy habits that resonate with you. But don't pick more than you can handle at a time. Once the first few habits feel easy and effortless, pick another and repeat the process. It could take a few days, weeks or months until the healthy behaviour becomes a habit. Be patient. If the habit doesn't work out, ditch it and pick another. Simple.

33 incredibly simple, life-changing health habits to adopt

1. Aim to get 10,000 steps each day. Download an app or get a fitness tracker.

2. Cook at home one additional night each week. Schedule it in your diary.

3. When you make vegetables, make twice as much for a healthy lunch the next day.

4. When eating a meal, start with your vegetables first.

5. Buy a large water bottle and keep it on your desk or in your bag.

6. Halve the amount of sugar in your coffee or tea.

7. Aim to eat two pieces of fruit every day. No fruit is off-limits.

8. Eat when you are hungry – not by the clock.

9. Before bed, think of three things to be grateful for.

10. Sign up for enjoyable exercise – whether that’s yoga, dancing or a team sport. If you enjoy cardio? Great. Move because it makes your body feel good, not to lose weight.

6 expert weight loss tips1:30

You don't need to go to the gym every day or go on a strict diet to lose weight. Here are some top weight loss tips from 'The Diet Doctor' Moodi Dennaoui and PT and former Survivor contestant Tegan Haining.